manifest_v his_o nativity_n unto_o the_o wise_a â—én_n also_o of_o the_o earthquake_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v full_a moon_n at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n sect_n xv._n answer_v to_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v change_v now_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o against_o these_o book_n sure_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v object_v unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o remain_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_a to_o other_o book_n may_v happen_v to_o those_o namely_o that_o by_o the_o carelessness_n or_o corrupt_a deal_n of_o the_o transcriber_n some_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n may_v be_v change_v leave_v out_o oâ—_n add_v but_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o book_n or_o evidence_n only_o because_o in_o so_o many_o age_n there_o can_v â—â—e_z but_o he_o great_a variety_n of_o copy_n since_o both_o custom_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o what_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o great_a number_n and_o most_o ancient_a copy_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o contrary_n now_o that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o these_o book_n be_v corrupt_v by_o guile_n or_o otherwise_o either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o history_n it_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n or_o testimony_n of_o former_a time_n ever_o to_o evince_v the_o same_o but_o if_o as_o we_o say_v before_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n urge_v by_o those_o that_o bear_v so_o great_a hatred_n against_o the_o writer_n or_o follower_n and_o maintainer_n of_o these_o book_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o reproach_n or_o calumny_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a proof_n or_o sufficient_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v change_v which_o whosoever_o affirm_v aught_o to_o make_v good_a their_o assertion_n against_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_a time_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v show_v that_o what_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o can_v coâ—e_n to_o pass_v we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v any_o title_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v which_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o one_o book_n be_v not_o forge_v or_o put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o another_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o notable_a or_o note_a part_n change_v therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o mutation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o aim_n or_o intent_n whereby_o that_o part_n may_v have_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o part_n and_o book_n not_o change_v or_o alter_v which_o can_v now_o any_o where_o be_v discerue_v nay_o as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v every_o where_o a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o seize_v and_o meaning_n herein_o as_o it_o admirable_a to_o consider_v again_o no_o doubt_n so_o soon_o at_o any_o thing_n by_o or_o concern_v the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n be_v publish_v â—…ghtway_o the_o christian_n with_o great_a diligence_n be_v it_o be_v meet_v and_o oâ—t_v of_o a_o zealous_a desire_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v pity_n and_o truth_n unto_o posterity_n do_v get_v themselves_o many_o copy_n thereof_o which_o they_o disperse_v through_o all_o place_n in_o europe_n asia_n and_o egypt_n where_o christ_n anity_n be_v spread_v and_o the_o greek_a tongue_n speak_v yea_o as_o before_o we_o show_v there_o be_v some_o original_a copy_n keep_v for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a or_o probable_a that_o those_o book_n receive_v any_o such_o forgery_n they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o careful_o preserve_v not_o only_o by_o particular_a man_n but_o by_o the_o common_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o whole_a church_n add_v further_o that_o these_o book_n in_o the_o follow_a â—…ges_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o syâ—â—cke_n ethiopicke_n arabic_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o translation_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o aught_o to_o speak_v of_o from_o the_o greek_a copy_n themselves_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o their_o disciple_n wherein_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o these_o book_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n &_o meaning_n which_o now_o we_o read_v they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n at_o those_o time_n who_o can_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o falsify_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n if_o he_o will_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o open_a dissent_n of_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a from_o those_o that_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n after_o these_o time_n there_o succeed_v many_o 〈…〉_z man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n who_o have_v first_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n thereof_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o retain_v their_o original_a purity_n hitherto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v what_o but_o now_o we_o say_v of_o divers_a sect_n of_o crâ—…s_n all_o which_o at_o lest_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v receive_v and_o use_v these_o book_n according_o as_o we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v to_o alter_v or_o pâ—…_n any_o part_n thereof_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v accuse_v by_o the_o rest_n for_o forgery_n and_o false-dealing_a man_n therein_o neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o liberty_n at_o their_o pleasure_n alter_v any_o of_o these_o book_n for_o their_o own_o turn_n in_o asmuch_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v ground_n and_o assume_v argument_n one_o against_o another_o out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o we_o touch_v concern_v divine_a providence_n the_o same_o belong_v no_o less_o unto_o the_o chief_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o whole_a book_n namely_o that_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o man_n which_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o earnest_o seek_v after_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v lead_v head_n long_o into_o that_o error_n which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n avoid_v and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n whence_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o help_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o instruct_v concern_v the_o true_a religion_n sect_n xvi_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o the_o true_a and_o afford_v divers_a testimonte_n for_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o first_o then_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v manifest_a in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v of_o we_o before_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o author_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o other_o very_a faithful_a and_o credible_a man_n such_o as_o be_v esdras_n who_o compile_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o one_o volume_n during_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n malachy_n and_o zachary_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v again_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n both_o that_o part_n of_o history_n which_o at_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o he_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o book_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v collect_v after_o his_o time_n be_v witness_v even_o by_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a thus_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o phâ—nitian's_n have_v record_v the_o name_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o their_o league_n with_o the_o man_n of_o â—yre_n aswell_o berosus_n as_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n make_v mention_n of_o nabuchadonosor_n and_o of_o other_o chaldean_a king_n he_o who_o jeremy_n call_v vaphres_n king_n of_o egypt_n be_v term_v apries_n by_o herodotus_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v replenish_v with_o narration_n concern_v cyrus_n and_o his_o successor_n until_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o naâ—â—on_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appioâ—_n
of_o foreign_a testimony_n which_o indeed_o make_v more_o for_o these_o book_n that_o against_o they_o 15_o answer_v make_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o adulterate_n or_o falsify_v of_o scripture_n 16_o last_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v verify_v the_o content_n of_o the_o four_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o particular_a such_o religion_n as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o christianity_n be_v confute_v 2_o and_o first_o against_o paâ—…nisme_n here_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o create_v mind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o good_a be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o according_a to_o god_n prescript_n 3_o the_o bad_a spirit_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v a_o odious_a thing_n 4_o against_o the_o pagan_n worshop_v of_o â—en_n decease_v 5_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o star_n and_o element_n 6_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o bruit_n beast_n 7_o last_o against_o the_o worship_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o substance_n 8_o answer_n to_o the_o pagan_n objection_n take_v from_o some_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o 9_o and_o from_o their_o oracle_n 10_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v thereby_o confute_v for_o that_o the_o same_o of_o it_o own_o accord_n fade_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o humane_a help_n fail_v 11_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n and_o downfall_n of_o any_o religion_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o star_n 12_o last_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o pagan_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n seem_v incredible_a therein_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o book_n sect_n i._o ivdaisme_n be_v confute_v 2_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o account_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n for_o sufficient_a 3_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o say_v these_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o devil_n 4_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o word_n or_o syllable_n 5_o that_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o he_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n 6_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n give_v than_o that_o of_o moses_n 7_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v observe_v by_o jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o precept_n be_v afterward_o abolish_v but_o sueâ—…_n be_v not_o essen_v tally_n good_a 8_o such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v neuâ—_n wel-pleasing_a unto_o god_n 9_o also_o the_o difference_n of_o meâ—…_n 10_o and_o of_o day_n 11_o and_o outward_a circumcision_n 12_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n be_v gentle_a in_o the_o permission_n of_o toleration_n thereof_o 13_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o they_o grant_v tâ—…erâ—_n be_v a_o worthy_a messiah_n promise_v 14_o the_o same_o messiah_n come_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v 15_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o they_o object_v concern_v the_o defer_v of_o his_o come_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 16_o also_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n compare_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n promise_v 17_o jesus_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o messiah_n 18_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o some_o thing_n not_o yet_o fulfil_v 19_o also_o to_o that_o which_o be_v object_v touch_v the_o mâ—…e_a state_n and_o miserable_a death_n of_o jesus_n 20_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n 21_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o many_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o christian_n 22_o also_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v worship_v 23_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_z to_o god_n for_o the_o jew_n the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o and_o last_o book_n sect_n i._o mahumetanisme_n confute_v the_o original_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d set_v down_o 2_o the_o ground_n of_o mahumetismâ—_n overthrow_v chief_o for_o that_o the_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n theâ—…_n inquire_v into_o their_o religion_n 3_o proof_n against_o the_o mahuâ—…â—ans_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a wâ—…_n of_o hebrew_n and_o christian_n 4_o mahumet_n compare_v wâ—…_n christ_n in_o their_o person_n 5_o in_o their_o acts._n 6_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o both_o religion_n 7_o the_o manner_n how_o both_o law_n be_v propagate_v and_o publish_v 8_o last_o the_o precept_n of_o both_o compare_v 9_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o mahumetan_n object_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 10_o sundry_a absurdity_n be_v repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mahometan_n 11_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n direct_v to_o christian_n who_o be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o several_a book_n a_o christian_a prayer_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n merciful_a god_n who_o have_v make_v all_o man_n and_o hate_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o lewes_z turk_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o ignorance_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o so_o fetch_v they_o home_o bless_a lord_n to_o thy_o flock_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v among_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o be_v make_v one_o fâ—ld_v â—nderone_v sleepheard_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n i_o have_v eftsoon_o work_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o man_n that_o have_v deserve_v excellent_a well_o of_o his_o country_n and_o of_o learning_n and_o of_o i_o also_o what_o the_o argument_n of_o those_o book_n be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o i_o in_o my_o country_n language_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o wonder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o question_n for_o he_o that_o with_o so_o good_a judgement_n do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o all_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o ignorant_a with_o what_o skill_n that_o matter_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o raymond_n sebund_a after_o a_o subtle_a philosophical_a manner_n by_o judovicus_n vives_n in_o divers_a dialogue_n but_o especial_o with_o most_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n by_o their_o famous_a mornay_n wherefore_o the_o translate_n of_o they_o into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v more_o for_o use_n than_o for_o make_v any_o new_a work_n whereof_o what_o other_o man_n will_v judge_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o i_o tell_v he_o how_o that_o read_n not_o only_o those_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o old_a jewish_a and_o also_o of_o christian_n for_o our_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v good_a withal_o to_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o give_v some_o freedom_n to_o my_o mind_n which_o my_o body_n want_v when_o i_o write_v that_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o sit_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n only_o with_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o with_o such_o truth_n as_o whereof_o i_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o my_o own_o mind_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o credit_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o myself_o therefore_o omit_v such_o argument_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v of_o less_o importance_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n which_o either_o i_o certain_o know_v or_o just_o suspect_v to_o be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o reason_n both_o out_o of_o ancient_a &_o late_a write_n as_o may_v be_v best_a approve_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o please_v i_o best_o the_o same_o i_o do_v both_o methodical_o dispose_v and_o also_o expound_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o certain_a verse_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o commit_v to_o memory_n for_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o benefit_v all_o my_o countryman_n but_o special_o sea-faring-man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o as_o too_o many_o do_v lose_v and_o misspend_v their_o time_n wherefore_o beginning_n with_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o country_n
can_v be_v nothing_o save_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n sect_n xxiiii_o answer_v to_o they_o that_o require_v more_o forcible_a reason_n final_o if_o any_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o argument_n abovesaid_a but_o desire_v more_o forcible_a reason_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v such_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v true_a so_o be_v there_o divers_a way_n of_o prove_v or_o manifest_v the_o truth_n thus_o be_v there_o one_o way_n in_o mathematics_n another_o in_o physics_n a_o three_o in_o ethic_n and_o last_o another_o kind_n when_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o fact_n be_v in_o â—_z wherein_n very_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o untruth_n otherwise_o down_o go_v all_o the_o frame_n and_o use_v of_o history_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n together_o with_o all_o dutifulnesse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o matter_n of_o practicâ—_n can_v no_o way_n else_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o testimony_n now_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n thereof_o may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o obedience_n shall_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n but_o only_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o reveal_v as_o may_v beget_v faith_n and_o a_o persuasion_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o obstinate_a that_o so_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v as_o a_o touchstine_a for_o trial_n of_o man_n judgement_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a or_o unsound_a for_o see_v these_o argument_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v have_v induce_v so_o many_o honest_a godly_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o approve_v of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v thereby_o plain_a enough_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n infidelity_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o to_o be_v have_v and_o embrace_v for_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o wilful_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o relinquish_v their_o honour_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o other_o commodity_n which_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o admit_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o obey_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v of_o they_o for_o that_o many_o other_o historical_a narration_n be_v approve_v by_o they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_o manifest_a by_o authority_n and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o strong_a proof_n and_o persuasion_n or_o token_n as_o do_v declare_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v evident_a partly_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o jowe_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o partly_o in_o those_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v whereof_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n last_o see_v the_o long_a duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o large_a oxtent_n thereof_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o no_o humane_a power_n therefore_o the_o same_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o miracle_n or_o if_o any_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n this_o very_a get_v so_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n without_o a_o miracle_n may_v be_v think_v to_o surpass_v any_o miracle_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n after_o that_o a_o man_n be_v once_o persuade_v by_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a or_o be_v induce_v by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o same_o religion_n which_o christian_n profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_o the_o best_a if_o he_o desire_v more_o distinct_o to_o know_v the_o part_n thereof_o then_o must_v he_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_n that_o contain_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o which_o common_o we_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o new_a covenant_n this_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v just_o deny_v for_o as_o every_o sect_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a shall_v be_v believe_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o true_o in_o what_o book_n or_o write_v their_o opinion_n be_v comprise_v thus_o we_o credit_v the_o turk_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o mahumet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n since_o the_o same_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o and_o constant_o have_v red_a by_o all_o christian_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v and_o avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v contain_v which_o truth_n to_o demonstrate_v more_o particular_o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o he_o who_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n or_o writing_n which_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v and_o allow_v of_o must_v use_v such_o argument_n as_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o book_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o whit_n diminish_v but_o may_v still_o be_v defend_v and_o maintain_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o such_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o have_v prefix_v we_o say_v then_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o in_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o have_v certain_a title_n be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v to_o wit_n because_o those_o primitive_a father_n justin_n iraeneus_n clemens_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v those_o book_n under_o the_o same_o author_n name_n as_o also_o be_v cause_n tertullian_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o church_n receive_v those_o book_n for_o authentical_a before_o there_o be_v any_o common_a public_a meeting_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o pagan_n or_o jew_n make_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o judian_n himself_o plain_o confess_v that_o those_o be_v the_o write_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n matthew_n mark_v and_o luke_n which_o christian_n under_o those_o name_n have_v read_v and_o receive_v for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil_n be_v true_o they_o because_o the_o one_o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n receive_v among_o the_o latin_n and_o the_o other_o among_o the_o greek_a author_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v more_o absurd_a to_o bring_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o question_n which_o be_v grant_v almost_o by_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n iii_o some_o book_n be_v ancient_o doubt_v of_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v some_o book_n now_o receive_v which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o namely_o the_o one_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n and_o jude_n two_o of_o john_n the_o presbyter_n the_o revelation_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o though_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o be_v still_o allow_v by_o most_o church_n as_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v allege_v divers_a testimony_n out_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v likely_a too_o that_o such_o church_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o those_o book_n either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o doubtful_a yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v touch_v the_o same_o they_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o canen_n as_o we_o now_o see_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a and_o counterfeit_a write_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o comprise_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v aught_o thence_o be_v collect_v which_o be_v not_o abundant_o express_v in_o other_o book_n unquestioned_a sect_n four_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o book_n as_o have_v no_o title_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o here_o let_v no_o man_n mistrust_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v
true_a religion_n explain_v and_o defend_v against_o the_o archenemy_n thereof_o in_o these_o time_n in_o six_o book_n publish_a by_o authority_n for_o the_o common_a good_a buy_v the_o truth_n p_o 〈…〉_z london_n print_v for_o ri._n royston_n in_o ivy_n lane_n 1632_o t_n câ—â—â—ll_v sculp_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o frontispâ—â—â—_n or_o title_n page_n 1._o jehevah_n at_o the_o top_n â—eaching_v out_o 〈…〉_z the_o old_a to_o the_o lieu_n and_o the_o new_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z former_a with_o a_o promise_n 〈…〉_z the_o lattâ—…_n of_o the_o gentleâ—…_n in_o the_o gospel_n without_o exâ—…â—…on_n of_o any_o hom._n 1â—…_n 2_o religion_n the_o effect_n whereof_o the_o aposâ—…_n jam._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o for_o her_o habit_n she_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d garment_n tâ—…_n she_o regard_v not_o the_o transient_o wealth_n and_o â—…ty_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o she_o hold_v the_o book_n in_o her_o hand_n where_o â—n_o the_o lawâ—…_n god_n be_v write_v 3_o her_o breast_n be_v baâ—â—_n to_o show_v her_o canâ—on_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o she_o leave_v upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereupon_o 〈…〉_z find_v rest_n and_o quiet_a repose_n 5_o winge_a sheis_n to_o reach_v man_n to_o mount_v up_o alâ—…_n 6_o as_o it_o be_v shine_v by_o a_o radiant_a 〈…〉_z that_o she_o dispel_v the_o misty_a darkâ—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o mind_n 7_o the_o bridle_n be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o curb_v bridle_n and_o subâ—…_n the_o triâ—â—leâ—â—_n passion_n of_o the_o mind_n 8_o she_o tread_v and_o example_n upon_o death_n because_o sheâ—…_n very_o have_v and_o downfall_n of_o death_n 3_o the_o christian_n kneel_v upon_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o mâ—…_n take_v up_o mat._n 16._o 24._o having_n glory_n shine_a upon_o he_o to_o represent_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o tâ—…_n religion_n 4_o the_o turk_n stand_v with_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o defend_v his_o religion_n that_o spring_v from_o mahâ—met_n a_o false_a prophet_n foretell_v in_o general_a by_o christ_n mat._n 24._o 5._o 24._o also_o a_o half_a moon_n 5_o the_o lieu_n kneel_v have_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o his_o eye_n be_v blind_v isaiah_n 29._o 10._o 6_o the_o pagan_a have_v the_o sun_n before_o he_o which_o together_o with_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v wont_a toworship_n howbeit_o hope_n there_o be_v that_o all_o the_o heatheo_fw-la shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n psal_n 72._o 11._o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o section_n it_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n 3_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n 4_o and_o that_o after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n 5_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a 6_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 7_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a 8_o against_o they_o which_o imagine_v there_o be_v two_o principle_n the_o one_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n 9_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n 10_o so_o be_v all_o sublunary_a thing_n yea_o every_o particular_a and_o singular_a thing_n 11_o which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n 12_o and_o by_o miracle_n 13_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n 14_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n 15_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenans_fw-la 16_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v confirm_v by_o prediction_n and_o other_o argument_n 17_o a_o objection_n answer_v for_o that_o no_o miracle_n be_v now_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o former_o have_v be_v 18_o and_o that_o iniquity_n so_o greatâ—…nds_v in_o these_o day_n 19_o in_o so_o much_o that_o good_a and_o goâ—dly_a man_n be_v oppress_v abuse_v 20_o but_o this_o be_v retort_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n and_o â—…lution_n of_o body_n 21_o which_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o tradition_n 22_o namely_o such_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o 23_o but_o â—…ther_o many_o argument_n make_v for_o it_o 24_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o man_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n after_o this_o life_n 25_o which_o to_o obtain_v true_a religion_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternity_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect_n i._o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o title_n of_o true_a religion_n agree_v to_o christian_a religion_n the_o author_n here_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n once_o live_v upon_o earth_n 2_o and_o that_o he_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o reproachful_a death_n 3_o howbeit_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o wise_a man_n 4_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o their_o worship_v he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o 5_o and_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o efficacy_n of_o rature_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 6_o the_o author_n further_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n by_o sufficient_a testimony_n 7_o he_o answer_v a_o doubt_n for_o that_o the_o resurrection_n seem_v impossible_a 8_o this_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v grant_v it_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 9_o christian_a religion_n excel_v all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 10_o as_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v and_o propound_v thereunto_o 11_o whereupon_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o body_n once_o dissolve_v to_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o their_o former_a integrity_n 12_o second_o the_o former_a truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o exact_a holiness_n of_o christian_a precept_n touch_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 13_o also_o from_o those_o courteous_a duty_n of_o humanity_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o hurt_n or_o injure_v by_o they_o 14_o also_o from_o the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n 15_o from_o the_o use_n of_o temporal_a good_n and_o commodity_n 16_o from_o a_o oath_n 17_o and_o from_o other_o christian_a acts._n 18_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n 19_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v further_o declare_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n 20_o from_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n thereof_o 21_o special_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o they_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n teach_v the_o same_o 22_o together_o with_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v have_v withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v it_o or_o deter_v they_o from_o profess_v the_o same_o 23_o answer_v make_v to_o they_o that_o do_v desire_v strong_a argument_n the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o book_n sect_n i._o here_o be_v show_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n 2_o such_o book_n as_o have_v name_n of_o author_n be_v the_o same_o man_n write_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v 3_o concern_v such_o book_n as_o ancient_o be_v question_v the_o doubt_n take_v away_o 4_o those_o book_n that_o have_v no_o name_n prefix_v have_v suâ—…enâ—_n authority_n as_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o 5_o the_o holy_a pen_n man_n of_o these_o book_n write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a notice_n thereof_o 6_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v 7_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v 8_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o event_n of_o many_o thing_n therein_o record_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o be_v divine_o inspire_v 9_o and_o last_o from_o the_o care_n god_n be_v to_o have_v that_o counterfeit_a write_n may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v or_o forge_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o a_o objection_n answer_v that_o sundry_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o reserve_v by_o all_o 11_o a_o scruple_n take_v away_o for_o that_o some_o impossibility_n sleme_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z 12_o or_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v râ—…_n pâ—…_n to_o reason_n 13_o another_o doubt_n answer_v touch_v some_o diversity_n â—…rieâ—â—_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o those_o write_n 14_o the_o consideration_n